How Much $$$ to Build a 1000+HP Skyline GT-R - Motive GT-R Tuning Guide

In this episode of or RB and Skyline GT-R Tuning Guide we look at what it really takes, and cost, to build a 1000+ horsepower Skyline GT-R that is reliable, driveable, streetable and fast! Get your notepad out and brace yourself for this one!
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Motive Video creates content on modified performance cars, focussing on Japanese cars, but also European and hi-tech V8s. We build project cars, showcasing the development and testing, as well as attend various events around the world. Our videos include:
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#gaming #skylinegtr #r32gtr #1000hp
#projectcars
#motorsport
#turbocharger
#skylinegtr
#gtr
#dragracing
#timeattack
#drifting
#tommyfyeahdoesnotlovethis
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[@clutchkickpj693]

FINALLY someone who ACTUALLY says what it cost to build cars like these instead of all the other scary youtubers who pretend like money grows on trees to build these crazy cars. Thanks guys!

[@abadmixtape]

When you're a "big" youtuber money does essentially grow on trees when you consider ad revenue and sponsors

[@tiestovic]

99% of them have loans they struggle to pay 🤣

[@MotiveVideo]

More truth to that than many realise.

[@MotiveVideo]

For the guys who have 3 million plus subscribers, yeah, it’s decent pay.

[@lmo2021]

Considering anyone can check prices there really isn't a need for price lists etc. Realistically you can do it cheaper than this using the same parts as most who have done would know considering how many sales happen each year etc.

[@1truzilla458]

I'm just going to say what everyone is thinking. This is the best channel on KZbin for Skyline focused content. I have been watching this channel since 2010, when I bought my first Skyline. Around that time, there was little to no one covering Skyline focused content, especially in the US. Since then, I sold my R34 and bought a R33 that I've now owned since 2013. Andrew is knowledgeable, personable, 1000% on point, and he's humble. Unlike some of those other KZbinr who focus on fluff... We all know who they are. I spoke with him personally when I was building my RB30/26. Every time, he had a solution or pointed me in the right direction. He probably doesn't even know how much he's helped me and other GTR owners across the world. Keep up the great work, brotha, from New Jersey, USA! Cheers, Mate!

[@MotiveVideo]

Thanks mate. Our main goal is always to help car owner’s with their builds. The rest is just a bi-product.

[@shamil808]

Finally, some perspective. The 2 out of 3 law is bang on and applies to every build. This is what separates Motive from other KZbinrs. 👌

[@jesus_built_my_hotrod]

​@@elitecol69 cheap and reliable isn't fast

[@jesus_built_my_hotrod]

@@elitecol69 when you don't go fast

[@2theCore777]

Wow...Now I realize why it took you that long to have a 1000+hp GTR ! FARRRK 200k, but built properly !✌

[@gtrulez]

Being in the middle of a 5,5 year 800+ hp 2.8 stroker build myself in europe, i can definatly say you are in the right direction with this! You are still being quite conservative with some of the labour costs i think! It all adds up real quick. Actually i'm a bit scared to add all the bills up lol. Also i wish i had a PPG gearbox, but i did it with the oem box filled with the complete OS Giken catalogue in it. I Also went for a Quaife frontdiff, the Haltech Elite 2500+ loom and sensors, electronic throttle body and hypertune v2 inlet manifold etc. GTX3584RS on a 6 boost etc etc etc, . One thing i did spend more on were the custom AP Racing brakes all around. Nice video guys, keep them coming!👍🏻

[@ChrisHib01]

I realised I couldn't afford it as soon as I saw the rb30 block work... I still stuck until the end! 🤣 Great video guys, good line in the sand price-wise to see where its at again 5 or 10 years from now and if this engine/build is still going strong

[@swisscourthustle]

Yeah, I’m with you! Haha. Normal people can’t own 1000hp GTR’s.

[@bryce16710]

That's how to be real and VERY transparent. I've never seen the point in hiding costs, it's what really separates people and I say that because it'll show how committed to your car or build, you are. Great video guys.

[@drdesmo8489]

Wicked to see total cost $$$ of the perfect 1000rwhp street and drag GT-R 🤙🏼 Thank you for a full break down of everything possible that would be need. You Guy Rock ! Hail Andrew, the Herminator and everyone else helping in this magic we’ve seen ❤️👊🏻🙏

[@MotiveVideo]

Thanks mate 👍

[@hughmangus2324]

Ive been following Andrew since 2008, by far the best series and channel both educational, non egotistic non b.s i have ever seen. I remember buying the ignition dvds back in the day, now in the palm of my hand i enjoy these videos! Thank you Andrew, huge shoutout from the westcoast.

[@austinbunker]

Andrew, you have help me built my GTR since 2015. Dropped the hammer on some PRP goodies and awaiting the shipment. Aussie builds are the best in the game. Can't wait to be the next one in the States. Looking forward to more content!

[@SHAZDAREAPR]

Please do one for safe responsive 500hp or 400kw, for like a nice clean, not too race spec weekend cruiser/possible daily (doubt anyone would be crazy enough to daily a GTR)

[@MotiveVideo]

We may do that, yes.

[@jeffxxx2]

@@MotiveVideo I would love to see that too

[@SomeGuysg]

yeah , they definitely should . more of a response monster rather than a HP monster. kinda like the mine's R34 GT-R.

[@jose7777777777777777]

This would be nice. A safe 500whp build is substantially cheaper than this

[@Jagvetinget]

All you need is a good dubble turbo and fuel system. I ran 2x Garrett GT2860R 550hp on stock block abused it for 4 years only thing that broke was a waterline to the turbo.

[@R-Tuned-Performance]

Killer break down! So much goes into building these cars and as we say at Driver Motorsports “buy once, cry once” when it comes to quality components.

[@schafer240]

It's true, most people are oblivious to how much it costs to build a proper car.

[@mohmadqadan8443]

Thanks bro now all our wives know the real $ figure.

[@bvward]

I tell her $ 1.00 Aus. is $ 0.15 US☺

[@garyrayner6330]

Wow was maybe thinking 100k, but you forget about all the little things that make it work and most people forget about things such as gearbox, roll cage etc which is a absolute must with 1000 angry ponytas under the hood.

[@BNR_248]

Also need to consider what the end goal is. 1000hp or a low ET. They don't always go hand in hand. A reliable 9sec 1/4 is easily achievable with just the transmission package, 2.8l stroker and 600rwkw. Even Andrew has proven that while moving from twins to single whilst still H pattern (though not as reliable).

[@MotiveVideo]

High 9s is much cheaper yea

[@AaronsSpeedShop]

Thank you for being honest about what it takes to make a car reliable. 1000hp capable con rods won’t make a reliable 1000hp motor. So many people wonder why their “built” cars are often blowing up. That’s because the reason a stock k series can make 650 horse for a while is because it’s designed to last nearly forever at 200 horse. Build a 2,000 horse capable RB26 and tune it to 1,000 horse and it will last nearly forever.

[@arlokkkk]

good point!

[@StreetDreamzTT]

33 now. Been in the game since 18 in terms of ownership. Had evos, Silvias, a 32 gtr. Now I just have an evo3 and a 7. Subaru for daily. You really need money or sponsorship for this. That's why my evos are super clean. 350 and 450 hp. No track. Just twisty roads and highway pulls. Always admired the aussies and Japan builds since the early 90s. This is proper! Maybe one day I'll hit some cash and build a proper gtr. Always the ultimate dream.

[@Matt-dr2bu]

Thanks for the video, which is probably 99% of people watching your stuff wanted to know. Are we able to get one now showing the costs and breakdown of what it takes to service, maintain, and look after a car like this?

[@fxdls-8201]

Having a full breakdown and pricing makes you realise how much time and money goes into them. Very impressive!

[@pherd-0884]

its really nice to see the level of transparency. Whether ads, sponsors, partnerships, etc. or just pure aussie dingo-dollars, you have a great barometer to measure how much it costs to play the game at this level.

[@chuxshed587]

Good video. Most people have no idea. Easy to spend $1000 just on plasma clamps etc

[@vibraniumsharkz6427]

Thankyou so much. Personally this show has been the reason why my 33 is still on the road

[@Desert_Spec]

Blows my mind how certain 'characters' I see driving around can even afford builds like this without sponsors, workshop assistance etc... I'm not gonna ask any questions though 😅

[@sexyfacenation]

They can't afford it.

[@lukeellis882]

Big ass loans and drug money

[@teavstravel]

Inb4 ATO audits.

[@beaubear6516]

Drug money 💰 🤑.. lie on there bas then close business down ..re do again lol lmao

[@MrIrish1]

Or meby they have a trade. I make 6 figures welding. Quit school at 16

[@cemturyan2653]

I have been waiting for this video my entire life. Thank you so much for doing this. Andrew, you’re a legend

[@WarriorsPhoto]

All I did was get more shocked 😳 as time progressed 😂. I figured this would be like buying a new car. 😆 😝

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Andrew I love the intro, the video editing was amazing!🔥Serious Aussie GTR. Hell yeah, great video and best GTR content in my opinion.

[@True60RS]

I knew I’d find you here haha You make the best US GT-R content. Looking forward to your next build.

[@anthonymcgrath]

also and i'm sure Andrew will agree here ... if you can't stretch to this sort of crazy spec - forge the block internals, stick some ponscams in... headgasket and ARP studs... and a a pair of 2860-5 tubs and a 34gtr 6 speed gearbox... you'll get 550+ and a heap of response and driveability. Of course you can go 6boost and big top mount but i'm talking about turning a basic block and turbo setup into something seriously capable at 400 these things are sorta ok... 500 yeah nice... anything above that esp as your come to 600 and they get silly of course stick the best brakes you can on front and rear too - in fact if you do anything first do this to your GTR.

[@haiboj4979]

I wish to see a video like this on stock bottom end + reliable power/budget.

[@arkashrampadarath9118]

I just absolutely love the car mate. Thanks for always keeping us up to date as the car progresses 😊

[@timothyoleary5609]

I have a rb25 being built/almost ready. Engine and harness/ECU all up will have me around $35k to see a comfortable 700hp. Before it's even in the car. Probably looking at spending that again by the time it's out into my 67 Holden and on the road. It all adds up quick.

[@kanenstuff]

You should be million sub channel and keep going to the States so you get your name out there. All the big guns know you and building otlr hanging out with them with sky rocket the Motive Video channel.

[@brokebroken4567]

Glad somebody has done this, this is straight up ballin, it’s a different league to most…

[@MotiveVideo]

Took us 10+ years to do it and stupor amount of hours filming, editing and wrenching. a probably more $per hour than the costs shown.

[@wobblysauce]

Yep, Wog spec, bit by bit, it has a history. Then the rebuilds and changing specs over time, lots of knowledge learned.

[@davidthompson245]

Talk about having the wind knocked out of ya, absolutely eye watering. Thanks for the truth.

[@achromaticwraps]

great video Andrew!! Was looking for ages for one of these in depth price breakdowns.

[@ametti000]

Respect for providing the info even if I never plan to build one it's nice to know what goes into it

[@CorpseExplosion]

So you really DO have more than a hundred grand under the hood of that car. Nice.

[@SammyHand96]

This video has come at the perfect time as I am looking at getting my first GT-R skyline and want to build it up 🙌🏼🙌🏼 legendary video for sure

[@slcbuilds3687]

Problem with GTRs these days is people are paying prices like they're all 1000 hp cars. They're great and are fun to drive, but a new Camry TRD will be a good race for a GTR stock to stock. Drove GTRs way back in the early 2000s and at that time I had my TT 300zx that was tuned so the gtr wasn't all that impressive. I still love them and this build is outstanding, but man could not justify the costs these days for these.

[@MickDavies]

I was looking for the xr6 turbo comments but none that I can see which is a surprise! Keen for that 500-600rwhp range as that’s more realistic for the majority of us

[@haydnpaull5447]

There's a barra comment and it makes sense. If Skylines are somebody's passion and they have the budget, go for it. Most of us don't but thanks to the barra I can still go fast 👌👌

[@chrisparr3516]

At last a proper honest review of costs, wish a UK channel would do something similar just for comparison.

[@MotiveVideo]

a smart channel would come to us for help to build one anyway

[@scottm6130]

I love the emphasis you put on making it a reliable and usable street car. Is there any chance you could offer any insight into at what point different factory items (especially the gearbox) need to be upgraded to keep things reliable?

[@UntoldSagas88]

every second of this video crushed my soul

[@Koukiworld]

Key words "Complete Package" 😃😃🤩🤩

[@chazhenrich1432]

I feel this in my soul. I go to the dyno in two weeks expecting 1000whp+ from a 2.8L will grout ect ect and a ppg dog box. So some cost cut but still way up there

[@OHY38H]

That moment when Jesse realises he actually "spent 200k under that hood"

[@GeeCeeAte]

Amazing vid. It’s great to see a breakdown like that! These GDR prices have came up just a little bit since the 10k’ish 9 second build.

[@placeholdername3206]

Good video on why people do LS swaps these days. You could double this price for less performance if the parts said HKS on them.

[@Invaders757]

Can be cheaper indeed, but considering the fact that big power GTRs tend to not like to work properly, i think your way is the best. Costly but won't break down every time you get the car out ! People need to understand that Bugatti Veyron power doesn't come cheap...

[@MotiveVideo]

We legitimately haven’t done anything but change oil since this 3.2 was built in September 2021

[@TheHayabusa09]

Damn fine that the total cost is shown and, actually makes more sense to the average viewer. Ask any LC 79 youtube site what they spent, and they'll reel back in horror and disgust at this very simple question. Great job guys!

[@DeolTheBeast]

No stone left unturned ... the only way to do it properly. 100k UK pounds sounds about right. Great video.

[@thedynoboys2823]

would be quite cool to see what you would normally go over in terms of maintenance and how often you do it.

[@joophommie]

Another awesome informative video Andrew. Cant wait for issue 2 of the mag! Quick question, did you ever get the car engineered for road use in NSW? If so, who did the work? Curious as i am looking for a good, easy going engineer myself.

[@GoNutsButch]

Thanks Andrew, certainly an eye opener and reality check on a childhood dream . . .

[@McGJonin]

Great video! Could you guys please make the same video but for rbs with a stock bottom end?

[@user-ts9nq5zw2j]

Wow I'll just buy yours for 50% off. Good info, Mike & Paul from Japan

[@michaelking9170]

Can you do the same for a 4 to 500hp car. Would be great to see

[@arlokkkk]

Yea, that would be great to see. Specially with a RB25

[@GarageSupra]

A T56 magnum is a way cheaper option if you want a H pattern that can hold 1000hp for less than half the price. Good video. You GTR guys have work cut out for you compared to the JZA80 team.

[@SupernaturalPowerz]

The honesty, was so beautiful :D

[@GlasgowGTR]

Fair play for saying it as it is Andrew 👏🏻 Disappointing to see when I’m booked in for an engine build next week right enough 😂

[@AK-ny6wy]

I will stick to a supercheap air filter on my crv

[@Diftonez]

I'm pretty sure that IRL you have a lot of additional expenses, like rent for garage, gas to drive around to carry all that stuff and so on... So to build something like that be ready to spend 200k+AUD and at least 1 year free time. )

[@ryanlowe3588]

I’m 800hp about to go to 900. And people don’t believe I’ve put over 40k into my 2jz… that’s just the engine… body have over 20k in open door respray 1of1 custom colour and widebody… 2type of turbo kits and gearboxes and I’m like with little bit and peace I’m over 80k… and they still think it’s impossible

[@MotiveVideo]

People assume stock 2Js can run around on 1000hp. They simply can not.

[@alwayzurboy]

Thanks for giving me all the reasons to keep an RB stock and not build one.

[@Bdub423]

Lol mine isn't that fancy but yes all of this is absolutely correct👌🏾 . Lol I'm almost there 😅

[@casefc3s]

11/10 video, but for those of you thinking of building your Skyline, don't forget the million and one destroyed bushings, stripped bolts, old wiring, broken plastic, etc that's going to need replaced along the way too. I think I'm ~$50k USD or more into mine and the differences between now and when I got the car are almost indiscernible to the naked eye.

[@randomdude4669]

Jdm kids need to watch this

[@cyclonicleo]

Mind blown, but in a great way. Personally, i'd go the same route; it might be a Rolls Royce choice but reliable power isn't cheap and nor should it be, so spend the money and do it right. Thanks for the breakdown, Andrew!

[@codyhughes8113]

Fantastic video Andrew and Motive crew. It would be interesting to see a price comparison from the earlier development for a ‘reliable’ 400kw or so street car. Always debate on when to do internals / block brace etc. keep the good content coming

[@MotiveVideo]

It is a grey area at 500-600 600-800 will be our next video i think. 800-1000 is another grey area as well

[@True60RS]

Thanks for all you guys at Motive do! I would love to have that 600-800 video!

[@jimmyandtommy1]

​@@MotiveVideo if its grey then you pay, if its black have a crack.

[@cocx88]

How to build a reliable 1000hp gtr Step 1: build a RB capable of 1200hp Step 2: de-tune for 1000hp

[@brendantaylor6879]

Could you guys do a video on a reliable 600hp build? Would appreciate it!

[@MotiveVideo]

In the process

[@imacahguy]

As someone who is building a 1000hp capable Evo 8. This isnt far off. Fully built cars take SERIOUS money. People have no idea what it takes to build cars anymore. Obviously you can do a lot of this stuff yourself if you are a skilled welder. Side note: aussie dollars are worth less than the American dollar so its equal to 100k. But that's still insane.

[@shannonheraud_tuf253]

Good informative video mate, t definitely takes some big bucks to play with that sort of power

[@dimmacommunication]

Would you ever try to use a ZF 8HP auto gearbox ? Looks amazing on some cars

[@rushgush]

i want an r34 2002 with a dual clutch tranny. back up camera, and the rest of the new tech. with 1200 hp 😎

[@happydays1470]

Send a message to whistlingdiesel in the states who just crushed a r32 GTR on his show because he thinks there rubbish ship his other GTR to your workshop do this amazing makeover to his car and change his mind in the process get some world appreciation for the amazing work and godzillas you create.

[@r32fx49]

Bro has 1 brain cell struggling to keep the human experience together

[@Yasuke_R32_GT-R]

Gyaaaad damn! OEM it is for my 32 GT-R

[@Ifti_405]

One day, inshallah!

[@MasterTygt500]

Love all the knowledge and passion you guys have for the GTR world. When I read the title of the video, I was hoping the video would actually be about the costs to build a pretty reliable 1000hp GTR that fits that drivability and response goals you guys have. Not a How much it cost you guys to build your GTR. If the focus wasn't drag racing, since you guys do testing and development, and I just wanted a ripper that could do drag days for fun but mostly be a street monster, I feel there are more than a few things that aren't needed or are not needed to be done custom. I'm not a GTR expert as I live in the USA and they are way unattainable for a regular pleb like myself. I may never get to build one of these monsters. I keep trying to come up with what would be a good home for an RB and a GTR AWD drivetrain but still TBD. lol

[@MotiveVideo]

What you’re asking and what we did are the same. Drivable and reliable 1000hp GT-R Better we show it with proof

[@bwh32]

I’d be super interested in motive DVD take on a track RB build at much lower power level like 500hp. Specifically wet vs dry sump options for high revs and G

[@MotiveVideo]

Dry sump. The end.

[@serdarerdurul8619]

Then there is still powder coating parts, new parts while dissemble engine bay (radiator, rubbers, lines etc) im on 200k and still need to complete wiring and fuel, assemble tuning etc..

[@sexyfacenation]

Do you have a house or live in the car?

[@fxg2825]

GT-Rをここまで弄るとこのくらい予算がかかるんですね。参考になりました。アップロードありがとう！

[@smiles.5927]

I still want one😁 preferrably the R34! RB4LIFE BABY 😍

[@madmike5144]

Awesome, thanks for sharing this info...

[@maze2756]

ever thought of doing a basic 350-450 hp gtst for the average bloke, especially with all the yanks snapping them all up haha

[@chrisdooley1184]

In USD, that’s $128,686 approx for my stateside peeps. That’s a very serious number and more than I spent on all my project cars combined 😂. But this isn’t a shade tree mechanic build this is for serious minded racers. Absolutely love it though and if I ever hit the lottery I know who I’m wiring money to very first thing!

[@dimmacommunication]

Cool video, but as we said time ago the GTX 35 build + 6 speed R34 was the best

[@lukewaring2832]

Do it once do it right... Epic. 1000bhp. Ouch Thanks for open and honest car mod data feedback and series..

[@Nissan350z33]

And still it's only 2 bolt mains. I'm a firm believer in 4 bolt mains.. But fantastic video big bucks.. HooRoo.

[@b.w.9392]

Does someone have a broom? I need to sweep my shatterd dream together

[@nickstarz9316]

This is why I drive a camry & hilux 👌

[@SELFVERIFIED]

I was scared when I saw the price of HKS crate engine but after seeing this I am terrified😅

[@sweetr333]

appreciate this post, no secrets

[@arlokkkk]

Awesome video! Can you make the same video with a RB25 instead for 500hp? THanks!

[@Paul-qq7mh]

wow!! Awesome video very detailed cheers!

[@bretth3224]

And if you don’t already have one you need to buy the car on top of that!! It about time someone said what it actually costs because the silly low numbers people think mine costs are laughable

[@OHY38H]

Absolute legend for the info, Damn "cost of living" is real.

[@computer_blue_]

Good thing I entered the powerball 😅

[@daskeyjonas]

Add at least 25% in custom fees and shipping depending of your country :)

[@mac_19]

Truly worth it